Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills, an offensive tackle, was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the 2025-2026 season.
Dawkins has played for the Bills for nine seasons. This dates to when he was drafted in the second round, 63rd overall, in the 2017 NFL draft. Dawkins was on the team for one season before the Bills drafted Josh Allen.
Dawkins’ overall grade has improved since the 2024-25 season, going from 72.9 to 73.9. His 2025-26 grade also considered a couple of injury setbacks he had. His pass-blocking grade has improved with an 81.5 in his recent season.
The Bills have mentioned and demonstrated their appreciation for each other. Dawkins even expressed to the press after the 2025-26 season-ending loss to the Broncos that it wasn’t Josh Allen’s fault for the loss. Buffalo has also expressed its appreciation for the community.
Dawkins is in the occasional West Herr local automotive commercials. He even starred in the holiday Hallmark Channel film Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. In addition, he has consistently shown up for the community.
He founded his nonprofit Dion’s Dreamers in 2020, which focuses on mentoring young adults in underserved communities. Dawkins’ nonprofit really came in stride during the tragic mass shooting at Buffalo’s Tops in the spring of 2022. His non-profit has also co-hosted 716 CommUNITY Day, which has been an annual event that began the summer following the incident.
The Bills fans have shown up countless times for the team over the course of successes and low points. That loyalty is reciprocated by the team, specifically Dawkins, by further giving back to the community.
This was the fourth consecutive year that Dawkins has been nominated for the Walter Payton Award. He was one of 32 players who received recognition for not just his presence on the field but also his service to the community. The award was ultimately given to Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders linebacker.
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